With the San Francisco 49ers surprisingly ruling running back Christian McCaffrey (calf, Achilles) out for Monday night's showdown against the New York Jets, backup Jordan Mason will now get the start in the backfield. Patrick Taylor Jr. and rookie Isaac Guerendo will also be active and available as depth, with Guerendo likely returning kicks on special teams. Fantasy managers that were fully expecting CMC to play on Monday could be in trouble if they don't already have Mason on their roster or he's not immediately available to pluck off the waiver wire. The 25-year-old Mason has had limited opportunities in his two NFL seasons in San Fran, but he has averaged 5.6 yards per carry and has scored four times in 33 total games (zero starts). In a strong Niners offense, Mason is an appealing handcuff with upside as a plug-in-play option for those that have McCaffrey rostered.

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In a big surprise, San Francisco 49ers All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey (calf, Achilles), the reigning Offensive Player of the Year in 2023, is inactive for the team's Week 1 regular-season opener on Monday night against the visiting New York Jets, according to sources. McCaffrey practiced on a limited basis with the team last week before being handed a questionable tag for Week 1, but he expressed optimism that he would play over the weekend and handle a near-normal workload. CMC was apparently more optimistic than the coaching staff, and they have decided to hold him out for another week. If CMC's fantasy managers don't already have backup Jordan Mason handcuffed, they could find themselves in a bind on Monday night. Mason is starting on Monday, with Patrick Taylor Jr. and rookie Isaac Guerendo also active and available. Guerendo will likely return kicks.

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (ankle, foot) suffered an ankle/foot sprain in the Week 1 win over the Washington Commanders on Sunday and will miss a couple of weeks as a result, according to sources. It's a big loss for the Buccaneers secondary, but it's obviously not a worst-case scenario. Fantasy managers using in IDP formats will have to pivot for several weeks while keeping Winfield stashed on their benches. The loss of Winfield will make Tampa's secondary more vulnerable, starting with a tough Week 2 Divisional Round rematch this weekend against the Detroit Lions. The 26-year-old safety was seen wearing a walking boot on Monday. With Winfield expected to miss time, Christian Izien is going to see extra playing time. In Sunday's convincing win over the Commanders, Winfield had seven tackles (four solo).

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The Washington Commanders released kicker Cade York on Monday and are expected to replace him by signing free-agent kicker Austin Seibert, according to sources. The Commanders cut York on Monday after he missed both of his field-goal tries in the Week 1 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 23-year-old made both of is extra-point attempts, but he gets the axe after just one week after missing from 47 and 56 yards out in the season opener in Tampa. Seibert comes to D.C. after being cut by the New York Jets in training camp. The 27-year-old should take over immediately as the replacement for York, but fantasy managers should ignore him in an offense being run by a rookie QB. Seibert entered the league as a fifth-round pick by the Cleveland Browns in 2019 out of Oklahoma. He has made 80.4% of his 56 field-goal tries in five years with four different teams.

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Former Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Kadarius Toney signed with the Cleveland Browns on Monday, according to sources. Toney also visited with the Seattle Seahawks and had visits with other teams lined up, but he'll head to Cleveland for now as the Browns look to add another playmaker. The 25-year-old former first-round pick by the New York Giants will start with the Browns' practice squad as he tries to work his way up to the active 53-man roster. Toney has always had elite playmaking ability because of his quickness, but he has not lived up to his draft pedigree, mainly because of nagging lower-body injuries. For the time being, Toney is just a player to watch in most fantasy leagues as he adds depth to Cleveland's receiving corps behind Amari Cooper, Jerry Jeudy, Elijah Moore and Cedric Tillman. Only in the deepest of fantasy leagues with large benches should fantasy managers add Toney off the wire.

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Miami Dolphins running backs De'Von Achane (ankle) and Raheem Mostert (chest) were both listed as not practicing on the estimation of Monday's practice report. Heading into a short week, the Dolphins are likely just being cautious with their top two backs. However, if either of them remain DNPs on Tuesday, fantasy managers may want to start getting worried for Thursday's contest against the division-rival Buffalo Bills. If one or both of Achane and Mostert cannot play this week, it would thrust Jeff Wilson Jr. and Jaylen Wright into much bigger backfield roles. Wright was a healthy scratch in the Week 1 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Achane had only 24 yards on 10 carries but found the end zone and added seven catches for 76 yards in Week 1. He will continue to split touches with Mostert, but Achane is the better upside RB play in fantasy on a weekly basis.

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Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson was sued on Monday in Houston for sexual assault and battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The accusations are very similar to those that were made against Watson in more than 20 lawsuits filed back in 2021, and the plaintiff is represented by Tony Buzbee, who represented many others who sued Watson in 2021. It's possible that Watson could be subject to further scrutiny under the league's personal-conduct policy, and it's also possible that a suspension could give the Browns a path toward voiding his remaining salary guarantees and ending the relationship. The biggest difference between this new case and the others is that Watson is specifically accused of sexual assault. After a terrible Week 1 performance against the Cowboys on Sunday, now Watson has yet another legal issue hanging over his head.

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Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (knee) is not going on Injured Reserve, according to head coach Matt LaFleur. Love would have been required to miss at least four games if he had been placed on the IR after suffering an MCL sprain at the end of the Week 1 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Brazil last Friday. Until Love is able to return -- he's projected for a three- to six-week timetable -- backup Malik Willis will take over starting duties under center in Green Bay, beginning with a Week 2 tilt against the Indianapolis Colts at Lambeau Field. Fantasy managers can only keep Love in an IR spot and hope for a speedy recovery. The Packers are fully expected to take a cautious approach to their franchise signal-caller's injury. With Love out, the entire Packers offense will have less upside in fantasy, mainly receivers Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs and Jayden Reed.

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Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said on Monday that quarterback Malik Willis will be the team's starter until Jordan Love (knee) is able to return from his MCL sprain, which could take anywhere from three to six weeks. The Packers aren't putting Love on Injured Reserve, which would have required at least a four-game absence, but they are expected to play it safe with the franchise signal-caller's recovery. "If Jordan is not cleared, then we'll start Malik, and Sean will be the backup," LaFleur said. Willis, 25, appears in line to start in Week 2 at Lambeau Field against the Indianapolis Colts, where he'll be a desperation QB2 play in superflex leagues. The Titans former third-round pick will most likely be asked to manage the game for Green Bay's offense, lowering the fantasy ceiling of all of his wideouts, while the Packers could opt to lean on their ground game.

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Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (hamstring) injured his hamstring in practice last Thursday and didn't suit up in the season-opening upset loss to the visiting New England Patriots on Sunday. We'll have a better idea of Higgins' status for the upcoming Week 2 showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs, but ESPN's Adam Schefter said on the Pat McAfee Show on Monday that he would be surprised if Higgins plays against the Chiefs. The Bengals offense looked dead in the water on Sunday against the Pats and with lead wideout Ja'Marr Chase being eased back in after holding in all summer during training camp during a contract dispute with the team. Chase led the team with six catches for 62 yards, with Andrei Iosivas serving as the WR2 with only three catches for 26 yards. If Higgins misses another game, expect Iosivas and tight end Mike Gesicki, who nearly had a TD in Week 1, to benefit the most.

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Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (knee) is heading to the injured reserve after injuring his knee during Sunday's game against the Detroit Lions. He appeared to re-aggravate the bursa sac injury in his right knee, which he picked up in early August at training camp. The 23-year-old had a stellar rookie season, breaking the rookie receiving yards record, but will now miss at least four games. This is a massive blow to the Ram's offense, as Nacua won't be eligible to return until Week 6 against the Las Vegas Raiders. Cooper Kupp managers can expect him to see a huge target volume after seeing 21 targets in Week 1 with Nacua out most of the game. At the same time, Demarcus Robinson should see an uptick in targets as the Rams' No. 2 wide receiver with Nacua sidelined. Robinson is worth adding in most formats for managers looking for a replacement for Nacua.

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Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott said on Monday that quarterback Josh Allen (hand) has been cleared to practice this week and will play on Thursday Night Football in Week 2 against the division-rival Miami Dolphins. On his second rushing touchdown of the Week 1 win over the visiting Arizona Cardinals, Allen injured his left (non-throwing) hand after leaping a defender to cross the goal line. However, the 28-year-old dual-threat signal-caller said after Sunday's game that he thought he was "fine," although he was expected to undergo cautionary X-rays. Apparently the X-rays didn't show anything concerning and Allen will be good to go this week. In the Week 1 comeback win, it wasn't all pretty for Allen, but in the end he threw for two touchdowns and scored two with his legs. With Allen being good to go for Week 2, keep him locked in fantasy lineups as an elite QB1.

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Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (knee) aggravated the right-knee injury he dealt with during training camp in the summer in the Week 1 regular-season opener on Sunday night at Ford Field in the overtime loss to the Detroit Lions. While Nacua is still going through additional testing on Monday after leaving Sunday's game early, he is expected to be considered week-to-week, according to sources. It's unclear exactly when the Rams and fantasy managers might get the 23-year-old second-year wideout back, but nobody should be expecting him to play in Week 2 against the division-rival Arizona Cardinals. Nacua was dealing with a bursa-sac injury in his knee back in camp. With Nacua leaving on Sunday, Cooper Kupp caught a league-high 14 passes on 21 targets for 110 yards and a touchdown, so his value will rise for however long Nacua is out. Demarcus Robinson and Tyler Johnson figure to see bigger roles as well.

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On Sunday, the Chicago Bears' defense and special teams played a crucial role in securing a victory over the Tennessee Titans. With the Bears trailing 17-3 and struggling offensively, the special teams unit turned the tide by blocking a Titans punt and returning it for a touchdown, reigniting the Bears' chances. In the fourth quarter, the defense stepped up when Tyrique Stevenson intercepted a pass from Will Levis and returned it for a touchdown, giving the Bears their first lead of the game. To clinch the win, star cornerback Jaylon Johnson added another interception late in the game. The Bears' defense and special teams made a strong impression in their season opener, but fantasy managers should temper expectations for the upcoming week as the team faces a high-powered Houston Texans offense.

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Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze had a disappointing debut on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans, catching only one pass for 11 yards on four targets. His lone reception came on an unusual play where the ball, initially intended for DJ Moore, was deflected into the air and snagged by Odunze. He fumbled after the catch, but fortunately, an offensive lineman recovered the ball. Adding to his woes, Odunze left the field with a knee injury sustained during the Bears' final drive with 4:22 left in the game. He appeared to be rolled up on while blocking for a screen pass to Velus Jones Jr., and though he stayed in for one more play, he walked gingerly to the sideline afterward. If Odunze is sidelined for an extended period, the Bears must rely on DeAndre Carter and Tyler Scott to step up. Odunze is scheduled for an MRI on Monday, and the team hopes for positive news. With the Bears set to face the Houston Texans next Sunday night, they will need all available offensive talent.

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Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen (heel) had a subdued performance against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, finishing with just 29 yards on four receptions despite being targeted a team-high 11 times. Allen missed a couple of key opportunities that could have turned his game around. In the first quarter, he was open down the sideline after a well-executed move, but quarterback Caleb Williams overthrew himan opportunity that could have resulted in a significant gain or even a touchdown. Later, Allen was targeted in the end zone for a potential touchdown, but he dropped a pass he typically would have caught. While the new offense may need some time to develop fully, seeing how frequently Williams looked to Allen is encouraging. Additionally, Allen entered the game with a heel injury and appeared to limp late in the match. Hopefully, he will recover for next Sunday night's game against the Houston Texans.

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Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen said that there is no issue with quarterback Anthony Richardson's right hand after he hit it on an opponent's helmet late in Sunday's Week 1 loss to the division-rival Houston Texans. It wasn't the best performance for Richardson to open the season, as he continued to display a concerning lack of accuracy on open receivers, but fantasy managers aren't complaining after he produced three total touchdowns (two passing, one rushing) in the 29-27 loss. The 22-year-old went just 9-for-19 passing for 212 yards, two touchdowns and a pick while adding 56 rushing yards on six carries and a third TD. You'll have to continue to take the good with the bad with Richardson after he played in just four games in his rookie season in 2023 due to a shoulder injury, but his upside is through the roof and it gives him high-end QB1 upside each week.

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The Minnesota Vikings are being cautious with wide receiver Jordan Addison (ankle) after he left the team's 28-6 victory over the New York Giants in the third quarter. Before his departure, Addison hauled in 3-of-4 targets for 35 yards on a day where the Vikings did what they wanted against a hapless Giants squad. When asked about his young wideout, head coach Kevin O'Connell said, "He's got pretty significant soreness We'll just see. Still hopeful he'll have a chance this week, but we'll be smart with him." It's not exactly an encouraging endorsement for the 22-year-old, though it is good news that it is not the same ankle he injured previously. Minnesota will square up for an early-slate tilt in their home opener against the San Francisco 49ers in a tough matchup this coming Sunday. It would benefit Sam Darnold to have all of his weapons, but Addison is unknown for now.

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Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore had a busy but ultimately unremarkable game against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. He led the team with 36 receiving yards on five catches and added a 14-yard rush. Moore's day seemed at risk after he made two receptions for 12 yards and then took a hard fall out of bounds, prompting him to remove his helmet and struggle to get up. Fortunately, the injury was not severe; Moore walked off on his own and returned to the game shortly after that. Given the challenging matchup against cornerback L'Jarius Sneed, it was anticipated that Moore might have a subpar performance. However, he is expected to bounce back and perform better in the upcoming game against the high-scoring Houston Texans next week.

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Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Joshua Palmer and Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones are not expected to be suspended, as per Tom Pelissero. Palmer and Jones began brawling after a failed LA 2-point conversion with under four minutes to go in the fourth quarter. Both players were ejected and could still potentially be fined by the league, but they seem to have avoided missing time. The Raiders' DB was unavailable to the media after the game, but Palmer was and had a few interesting things to say. "They came and started throwing punches, but we're not going to be punching bags," said the fourth-year wideout. "So we had to defend ourselves." The 24-year-old racked up just four targets in the Chargers' 22-10 win as Jim Harbaugh deployed a run-centric scheme, culminating in LA rushing one more time (27) than they threw it (26). They'll take on the Panthers in Carolina this Sunday.

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